“From LG Chair to APC Frontliner: Profile of Scholar-Politician Hon. Tashas”
Honourable Aliyu Abdullahi Tashas, popularly known as Hon. A.A. Tashas “Aquatic,” is a veteran politician, educator, and community leader from Tashara village in Kuje Area Council, FCT Abuja.
Born on January 7, 1963, to Mallam Isah Ahmadu Daudu of the Gozhe ruling house, Tashas has built a career bridging politics, education, and cultural advocacy in Nasarawa State.
Supporters hail him as a unifying figure committed to uplifting the Gade people of Toto-Gadabuke and fostering inter-ethnic harmony.
Early Life and Education:
Tashas began his education at L.E.A Primary School, Gadabuke (1970-1976), followed by Abdu Zanga Primary School, Keffi (1977-1978).
He attended Government Secondary School, Uke (1979-1984), where classmates included late Hon. Ishaku Ahmad Kana, Hon. Ibrahim U. Arafat, and Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Balarabe.
He studied at School of Preliminary Studies, Keffi (1986-1989), passing his IJMB exams, then earned a B.A. in English Language and Islamic Studies from Bayero University Kano (1989-1992).
In 2024, he obtained a Master’s in English Language from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D there.
Professional Career and Achievements:
Tashas served in the National Youth Service Corps at Al-Miraj Islamic Centre, Enugu (1992-1993).
He taught English and Government as Dean of Studies at GSS Gadabuke under Plateau and Nasarawa States Teachers Service Commissions (1994-2001).
Elected councillor for Gwargwada Ward on the CNC platform (1996-1997), he lectured part-time in English at St. Peters College, Toto, and Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa (2005-2008).
From 2001-2022, he worked with the FCT Area Council Service Commission, rising to Head of Training and Welfare in Gwagwalada.
A prolific author, he founded and edited the Gade Newspaper, wrote The Origin of Gade People and Their Culture (2003), and its revised edition, The Gade Speaking People (2017).
Appointed Special Adviser on Conflict Resolution by the incumbent Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, he later served as Executive Chairman of Toto LGA.
Sule praised him at a stakeholders’ meeting: “That is the Chairman I would have loved… for a second term if not for zoning.”
Tashas handed over power peacefully in a tearful ceremony, often moving without escorts during time in office to stay accountable.
Political Positions and Leadership:
His roles include Time Keeper at Abdu Zanga Primary School (1978); Class Monitor and Atiku House Captain at GSS Uke (1979-1984); Hall Representative at SPS Keffi (1988); Founder/Patron of Press Club, GSS Gadabuke (1993-1996); National Secretary, National Gade Students (1991-1992); Initiator and first Secretary General of Gade Development and Cultural Association (GADECA); Secretary General, Gade Elders APC Forum, Toto; Board Secretary, Unity Secondary School, Gadabuke; and Secretary General, Gadabuke Progressive Forum.
Inter-Ethnic Ties:
Tashas maintains strong bonds across groups. Childhood Gbagyi friends include Dr. Baba Samuel and Hon. Job Yelwa.
As Dean at GSS Gadabuke, he worked under Principal Bello Zakwoyi, who urged him to stay despite a better FCT posting.
He offered free evening tutorials at GSS Yelwa (Gbagyi area) in 1999-2001, with students crediting him for WAEC success.
Two of his wives are Egbira, earning him nominations like SDT Usman’s running mate in 1999 without lobbying.
The “Aquatic” Nickname:
The moniker “Aquatic”, like water-dwelling creatures that are pure and enemy-free, reflects his clean character and philosophy: “I am happy making people happy.” Friends call him Comrade Aquatic for his humility and approachability.
Mission and Vision:
Tashas aims to boost welfare in Toto-Gadabuke through provision of potable drinking water, youth empowerment, school renovations, furniture provision, unemployment reduction, rural electrification, clinic equipping, A-Level scholarships, and agricultural support.
Supporters from the 21st Group of Friends and youth organizations urge his candidacy for Nasarawa State House of Assembly in 2027, citing his simplicity, honesty, and philanthropy as key to democratic progress.
Compiled with inputs from Yahaya Idris, former Senior Special Assistant (Media) to Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Tashas.
